Organizers of the 2010 Michigan Apple Queen pageant are hoping their search for contestants will prove fruitful.
Diane Smith of the Michigan Apple Committee says the field has fallen to three after one contestant withdrew for academic reasons. She says the committee's deadline for finding at least one more aspiring queen is Monday.
Candidates for the Dec. 8 pageant at Grand Rapids' Amway Grand Plaza Hotel must be a single girl, age 17 to 23, with a connection to the apple industry. That includes being a close relative or employee of a grower, farm marketer, shipper or processor.
The 2010 Apple Queen receives a $1,500 scholarship and gifts donated by the industry. She'll make appearances throughout the year on behalf of Michigan apples at schools, farm market events and parades.